Recruiting a Chaplain

[Walkman]

We'd like to get a Chaplain in our unit. We're in a decent size metro area (250k within 15-20minutes), with the nearest military base 30 mikes away. I've check some people in my network that are connected to local ministers to see if their contacts have an interest, but no bites.

Any ideas other than sending letters to every church in the phone book?

[Flying Pig]

I would contact the base you mentioned. I eould also contact the surrounding LE amd Fire agencies. Most have chaplains on call that may be interested or know people who would be. Thats nice because you dont need to explain what the word "volunteer" means to them.

[Critical AOA]

We'd like to get a Chaplain in our unit.

Why?

[Walkman]

Why?

CC would like one. I'd also like one so I can have one less job. I like working with the cadets as CDI, but I've got lots on my plate.

No big, grand scheme to it.

[Eclipse]

Anyone can lead CDI classes.

[Walkman]

Technically, that's not correct. I know as I'm in the process of being fully certified as a CDI.

You need:
1. At least 60 accredited college credit hours
2. Letter of endorsement from their local religious leader (has to be from a faith recognized by the DoD Armed Forces Chaplains Board) that the applicant is "spiritually, morally and emotionally qualified" to teach CD
2. Held a leadership position in the "church/other religious equivalent setting" for two years
3. Interview with Wing Chaplain
4. Application approved by Region Chaplain

Yes, a CC can appoint someone to teach the discussions, but to be an official CDI, you need the above. Otherwise, look for a ding on your SUI.

Please, let's not let this thread devolve into an argument about Chaplains, religion blah, blah blah. I was just looking to see if anyone had any previous experience in this.

[Eclipse]

Technically, that's not correct. I know as I'm in the process of being fully certified as a CDI.

There's nothing technical about it.

Neither a Chaplain, nor a CDI is required to facilitate CD discussions.

If you want to be a CDI, great.  If your unit CC thinks he needs a Chaplain, great, but neither is a required staff position, nor
will not having one generate anything but a "not evaluated" on the SUI.

[Critical AOA]

So to be a CDI, you have to belong to a religious organization and be evaluated by that organization's clergy and two levels of CAP clergy.  All of that to be certified in character development.  So a non-religious person / agnostic / atheist would not be qualified no matter how great his or her character and how moral they might be.  It seems as if they are saying that if you don't have a religious belief then you are not moral enough or of good character.  That is amazingly ridiculous.   I am surprised that this is allowed in an organization like CAP. 

[Flying Pig]

I would say if your having the trouble, go the route I suggested.  Contact you local LE or FD.  Or if you have a local Guard or Reserve Unit as well.

[Майор Хаткевич]

So to be a CDI, you have to belong to a religious organization and be evaluated by that organization's clergy and two levels of CAP clergy.  All of that to be certified in character development.  So a non-religious person / agnostic / atheist would not be qualified no matter how great his or her character and how moral they might be.  It seems as if they are saying that if you don't have a religious belief then you are not moral enough or of good character.  That is amazingly ridiculous.   I am surprised that this is allowed in an organization like CAP.

Chaplain Mafia at the National Level.

Guess I'm going to hell AND not able to corrupt any cadets as an atheist.

[dogboy]

We'd like to get a Chaplain in our unit. We're in a decent size metro area (250k within 15-20minutes), with the nearest military base 30 mikes away. I've check some people in my network that are connected to local ministers to see if their contacts have an interest, but no bites.

Any ideas other than sending letters to every church in the phone book?

Almost every area has a local "Council of Churches". Eg: "Happy Valley Council of Churches.

They might be able to help. One thing I would suggest is that you consider what kind of faith your membership would be comfortable with. My experience is that most chaplains are Evangelical Christians which is not to everyone's taste.

[Walkman]

...which is not to everyone's taste.

Right on. When I've been asking around my network, I've been stressing the point about Chaplains needing to be able to work with those of all faiths and those with none. It takes a special kind of person to be a Chaplain properly.

[RRLE]

So a non-religious person / agnostic / atheist would not be qualified no matter how great his or her character and how moral they might be.

Why do certain lines from Alice's Resturant keep going thru my head? 

[Walkman]

Almost every area has a local "Council of Churches". Eg: "Happy Valley Council of Churches.

Thanks for that lead. I found a large interfaith group online in my area, made up of people from many faiths (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, etc). The organization is all about different religions working together, which gives me the thought it would be a good place to start looking for someone who can fulfill that kind of role as a Chaplain.

[Critical AOA]

So a non-religious person / agnostic / atheist would not be qualified no matter how great his or her character and how moral they might be.

Why do certain lines from Alice's Resturant keep going thru my head? 

Such as? 

[Critical AOA]

So to be a CDI, you have to belong to a religious organization and be evaluated by that organization's clergy and two levels of CAP clergy.  All of that to be certified in character development.  So a non-religious person / agnostic / atheist would not be qualified no matter how great his or her character and how moral they might be.  It seems as if they are saying that if you don't have a religious belief then you are not moral enough or of good character.  That is amazingly ridiculous.   I am surprised that this is allowed in an organization like CAP.

Chaplain Mafia at the National Level.

Guess I'm going to hell AND not able to corrupt any cadets as an atheist.

As an athiest, I am not worried about hell as the place does not actually exist.  As for corrupting cadets or young folks in general, I'll leave that to the priests / preachers.

[Chappie]

So to be a CDI, you have to belong to a religious organization and be evaluated by that organization's clergy and two levels of CAP clergy.  All of that to be certified in character development.  So a non-religious person / agnostic / atheist would not be qualified no matter how great his or her character and how moral they might be.  It seems as if they are saying that if you don't have a religious belief then you are not moral enough or of good character.  That is amazingly ridiculous.   I am surprised that this is allowed in an organization like CAP.

That issue is being addressed.  The following was posted in July for "Publications Under Review":

CAPR 265-1, The Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps For Comment Only (Pending Formal Page-Insert Change)

Note: Shaded areas identify new or revised material.

4. Character Development Instructors. Character development instructors (CDIs) are required to be recommended by a reputable member of their community IAW paragraph 7a(2). CDIs are a part of the CAP Chaplain Corps and are appointed to provide character development instruction in the cadet program. They will not use the title "Chaplain" nor wear chaplain insignia. When duly appointed and upon completion of technician training, CDIs may wear the service badge. Only appointed and endorsed chaplains are authorized to provide ministry as clergy within CAP. Clergy ministry includes: religious ministrations (worship services, baptisms, communion, funerals); solemnizing of events; confidentiality and/or privileged communications. CAP members who are ordained ministers serving in the capacity of CDI are not granted confidentiality or privileged communication in CAP. When working under the guidance of a chaplain, CAP members may provide non-clergy support for chaplain professional ministry. CAP members may offer non-denominational prayers in the absence of a unit chaplain. Commanders will endeavor to make character development instruction available during cadet meetings for no less than 1 hour per month. Commanders may temporarily lead the character development session but should strive to recruit a chaplain or character development instructor as soon as possible. The CDI works under the direction of a chaplain designated by the wing chaplain. When no chaplain is assigned to a unit, the CDI works directly for the commander while maintaining liaison with the wing chaplain.

7. Character Development Instructor Appointment.

a. A CDI must first become a senior member. Once the individual has become a member and completed Level I, he/she may apply for the CDI position by completing a CAPF 35a, Character Development Instructor Application. CDI applications are processed through the wing chaplain who verifies that:

(1) The applicant has a minimum of 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of college study beyond the high school diploma. The minimum of 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) must be attained from a college or university listed in the current edition of the American Council on Education (ACE), Accredited Institutions of Post-secondary Education and relevant ACE supplements to that publication.


(2) The applicant has a letter of recommendation from a reputable member of his or her local community attesting that the member is morally and emotionally qualified to serve as a character development instructor.

No further changes.


There has not been a final action taken as the comments are being considered....but as you can see there is a change in the wind.

[Eclipse]

What need do CDI's fulfill?

[Chappie]

What need do CDI's fulfill?

Time and space does not permit the posting of the history behind the MLO/CDI which came into existence in 1996. Sadly, the specialty track has not be revised or updated since 1999.  This has been troublesome and cause for concern.  Steps are being taken to correct many of issues and concerns that have been voiced since the inception of this specialty.  A new specialty track is on the horizon which should be comparable to that of a AEO or Safety Officer.  The goal is to provide both training and tools to assist a CDI in presenting this required element of the cadet programs.

[Walkman]

What need do CDI's fulfill?

I think the main advantage to having this as a Specialty Track is training. I've seen some pretty bad CD sessions. I think, done correctly, it's a valuable part of the cadet program. Having people dedicated to doing the job and giving them some good training goes a long way.